Inside Green II

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Leader-Post / leaderpost.com � Advertising � Thursday, October 27, 2011 � Page AA1 s pe c Feature i a l s e c t ion

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Bring ‘Em Out! Riders return home against B.C. this weekend

WHAT’S INSIDE

READERVILLE

The 13th Man Project

Where are they now?

Consider yourself a work of art ...............................E2

What’s New at the Rider Store

Section 26 Fans Celebrate

Dale West is a leader on and off the field

There’s something to meet very fan’s tastes and interests ............................ E10

20 Years of Family and Football ...............................E6

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ningSo themuch pages on some than Saskatchewan Roughriders literature more Leader-Post / leaderpost.com � Advertising Feature � Thursday, October 27, 2011 � Page AA1

just a home game

s on AA6-AA8

OUR TEAM INSIDE GREEN is produced by:

who

said it?

Editor a Friday night Rider reception at Pilsner

By Pat Rediger PAT REDIGER Place — Mosaic Stadium; an exclusive For L-P Specialty Products prediger@benchmarkpr.ca Rider fans know that the next home game is Rider wedding celebration gift package: a Assistant Editor against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, but there’s two-night stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton, NICOLE WILLIAMS so much more to the game than waiting for the tickets for the couple to the August 16 Rider nwilliams@benchmarkpr.ca kickoff. The Riders have numerous promotions game versus Montreal; on-field experience Writer during half-time of the game; and much and activities taking place in the community JUDY BIRD jbird@benchmarkpr.ca more. and Inside Green is your opportunity to find Av In addition to these and other promotions, Writer out more about these initiatives to enhance onl ROGER CURRIE The Roger Aldagthere are ways that fans can your game day experience.

Myrna Tubman’s Thebecome economy will rcurrie@benchmarkpr.ca ens more involved in the game.

Using photos For example, as you makeart your way to emerge victorious in Bob Poley Rider button Writer submitted by fans, artist Jeremy Bresciani is Mosaic Stadium, don’t forget to make a stop Cup the 2013 Grey Cup ...........page AA2 LYNN GIDLUCK relationship recreating the Grey Cup crowd behind the at The Rider Store to discover the latest ...... lgidluck@benchmarkpr.ca...........page AA12 AA3 players celebrating on the...........page field. In this way, merchandise and special offers. There are Writer Rider fans — even those who were possibly store locations in Regina at Mosaic Stadium, CAROL ROGERS not able to be at the game — are truly part Northgate Mall and Grasslands, and in cmrogers@sasktel.net 1 of the winning experience. See the story on Saskatoon at The Centre on Eighth Street.

Columnist Turning the pages on JENNIFER some Saskatchewan Roughriders literature. page E2 for more information.

There are numerous new items in the store to JACOBY-SMITH Stories on AA6-AA8 jsmith@thestarphoenix.com Fans are also curious about where meet every fan’s tastes and interests. A couple former Riders end up and, in this issue, of things to take note of include the new “All Cover Photo Credit: WHAT’S INSIDE we interview Dale West, a member of the Cara Hull/Saskatchewan Roughriders In” DVD, which documents last year’s Grey Rider Riders in the From the Pages The 13th Man Cup winning season; Rider-themed dishes and 1966 Grey Cup winning Rider team, who Contents of this publication Fandemonium Communityare protected by copyright of Rob Vanstone and may be used only for personal, serving ware; and new jerseys and Rider gear. went onto become a respected educator ...........page AA2 ...........page AA13 purposes.

All ...........page AA3 noncommercial ...........page AA12 and member of the Regina Public Make sure you check out the article in this other rights are reserved and f School Board. issue which highlights the items up for sale commercial use is prohibited. sue o And, speaking of fans, we profile (and if you can’t make it to the store, then visit Next is reen G Sharon Pratchler, her husband, www.riderville.com).

Inside 25 Tom Irvine and their son The Riders also manage numerous July Graeme as true ambassadors promotions including the Little Rider Cheer of the Rider Nation. If you have any Day, which will be taking place during halftime. The 620 CKRM Rider Cheerleading Team question about the Riders — and See page 10 for the answer Sharon doesn’t have the answer for you— will be leading a group of 200 kids between the agesBy of five and 12 onHamelin a special cheer. My she’ll know where to find the answer. the Leader-Post sports editor’s collection of Rider history books. This one disc Jonathan Current Rider home game: We’ll also have some of our regular features oldest daughter participated in this program relationship between former Riders offensive linemen Roger Aldag and Bob Pole For L-P Specialty Products OUR TEAM in this issue — The Rider Chick returns with a couple of years ago and it still brings back Saskatchewan vs.

B.C. experts at the sport, but have very different personalities.

Being involved with Inside Green this her column andseason we profilewas Ridersimilar Pep Bandto fond memories.

Joyce Tourney July 12, 7:30 p.m.

Mosaic member Grant Hoffman, whowas walksamore Another promotion thethe Wedding It could be that we at Inside Stadium Green decided to talk about Roughrider literatu suiting up isfor Saskatchewan Roughriders.

There lot of I know my business® than 17 blocks with his tuba every game. Now Celebration in Rider Nation on August 15 from the team’s Saskatchewan Roug practice time logged, countlessthat’s rollsdedication. of game film and sheets of Proud to be serving Next Rider homedismal game:season. Currently sitting at 4-12-0, the to 16. Whether you have been married for Regina and surrounding to miss the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

It’s not all bad news though.

Ea notesthis examined, and plenty As of always, blood,we’d sweat tears. loveand to hear from you. Send five daysgame or 50 years, is an amazing communities Saskatchewan vs. Toronto us an email at info@benchmarkpr.ca, opportunityOK, for you and your special was announced that the province would host the 2350 2013 Grey Cup. The province maybe the blood came from a paper cut, but it wasfollow hard 23 235 2 35 350 3 50 2n 50 2 2nd n Avenue Regina, SK July 26, 8 p.m. Mosaic Stadium us @Benchmark_P_R or leave us a Facebook someone to experience an once-in-a-lifetime Em Em Email: mai aai ail: il: l: jjo joyce@joycetourney.com o the 2003 and 1995 Grey Cups. work nonetheless!

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S INSIDE

Rider Fandemonium

“Good rookies make the From the Pages of Rob Vanstone veterans work harder. That helps the . . . team get better.”

(Hint: he was the Riders’ Head Coach in 1989.)

Riders in the Community

READERVILLE

We’ve reached the last chapter Myrna Tubman’s Rider button art

The economy will emerge victorious in the 2013 Grey Cup

The Roger AldagBob Poley relationship

We’ve reached the last chapter

By Jonathan Hamelin For L-P Specialty Products Being involved with Inside Green this season was similar to suiting up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. There was a lot of practice time logged, countless rolls of game film and sheets of game notes examined, and plenty of blood, sweat and tears.

OK, maybe the blood came from a paper cut, but it was hard work nonetheless!

Like the Green and White, we’ve had some struggles this season building a perfect lineup – with our lineup involving articles. Unlike the Roughriders, though, we never had to fire anyone. There was some thought given to releasing Inside Green writer Ed Kapp, but don’t tell him that.

At the end of the day, we had a much happier season than the Roughriders. This was my first year as editor of Inside Green, and it was my goal to create a program that would appeal to both hardcore and average fans. From the feedback we’ve received, I think this goal was accomplished.

Now, like a member of the Roughriders would, I will give credit to my teammates. There’s no ‘I’ in team. I couldn’t give 110 per cent without my teammates. Ed Kapp and Dietrich Neu helped provide interesting articles all season long. The team at the Leader-Post was extremely positive to work with, creating a visually appealing product and helping to bring in advertisers, whose support of Inside Green is invaluable. But it is perhaps the readers of Inside Green who deserve the biggest pat on the back. Without people taking the time to go through and read each issue of Inside Green, there would probably be no Inside Green. So whether you commented on an issue, read each one or browsed occasionally, thank you.

Because there have been a lot of articles to read this season in Inside Green, we thought it would be fitting to finish things off with a Rider-themed literature issue.

The Roughriders have marketed just about everything over the last several years, books being no exception. The majority of these books have sought to illustrate the rich history of the Roughrider organization, highlighting the notable teams, players and stories.

This tradition continues with George Reed: His Life and Times, co-authored by Reed and John Chaput. As the title suggests, the book gives fans a glimpse into the life of the greatest running back to ever suit up for the Green and White. But, as Ed Kapp discovered after reading the book, the book covers far more than just Reed’s athletic accomplishments — it delves into Reed’s childhood, his work outside football and his personal life. With strong writing by Chaput and direct quotes from Reed, it’s a book all Rider fans could benefit from reading.

The other set of books examined in this issue of Inside Green are in no way conventional Rider history books. They are children’s books. What better way to initiate the next generation of Rider Nation than through a book about the Riders that has been written for children? That’s the thought that went through author Holly Preston’s mind when she teamed up with illustrator Val Lawton to create The ALWAYS Team and The ALWAYS Team: Trouble in Riderville.

But don’t let the label “children’s books” fool you. While there are plenty of images like Gainer the Gopher to keep children entertained, there are messages about teamwork, faith and tradition embedded in the text. It’s not always easy for Rider fans to put the meaning of their team into words for their children, but Preston has done just that. As we also learn in the feature, it’s not just Rider fans that have gotten something out of the book.

Speaking of Rider literature, From the Pages of Rob Vanstone brings fans the latest excerpt from

Like the Green and White, we’ve had some struggles this season building a perfect lineup – with our lineup involving articles. Unlike the gh, we never had to fire anyone. There was some thought given to releasing r Ed Kapp, but don’t tell him that.

a) Joe Faragalli b) Danny Barrett c) Dave Ridgway d) John Gregory

A victory is the only way to ensure a true Grey Cup party

the Leader-Post sports editor’s collection of Rider history books. This one discusses the unique relationship between former Riders offensive linemen Roger Aldag and Bob Poley. They were both experts at the sport, but have very different personalities.

It could be that we at Inside Green decided to talk about Roughrider literature to distract fans from the team’s dismal season. Currently sitting at 4-12-0, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are going to miss the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. It’s not all bad news though. Earlier this month it was announced that the province would host the 2013 Grey Cup. The province previously hosted the 2003 and 1995 Grey Cups.

Inside Green brings you coverage of the Grey Cup announcement in this issue.

In Riders in the Community, we examine the benefits that hosting the Grey Cup will bring. It is estimated the event will bring $45 million to $50 million to Saskatchewan, with $30 million to $35 million going to Regina. The event will also be a great chance for the province to celebrate the glory of Canadian football.

INSIDE GREEN is The 13th Man examines what the Roughriders need brought to you by: to do to ensure booking their spot. If the current season EDITOR is any indication, it will be a long shot for the Green and JONATHAN HAMELIN jonathanahamelin@hotmail.com White to pull off the rare feat of being the host city and winning the Grey Cup. However, with some careful WRITER ED KAPP tweaking to the roster, it could be a true party in the ed.kapp1@gmail.com prairies.

CONTRIBUTOR Also in Inside Green, we meet Myrna Tubman, who is DIETRICH NEU showcasing her love for the Saskatchewan Roughriders dietrich1889@hotmail.com in a unique way. Tubman’s Rider pictures, whether they are of Ken Miller, the team or the fans, have one Cover Photo Credit: Courtesy of consistent feature: buttons. For eight years, Tubman has Don Healy been unlocking the essence of the button and working Contents of this publication are protected by them into her artwork. She has sold her works across copyright and may be used only for personal, noncommercial purposes. All other rights are the province — including to NHL head coach Mike reserved and commercial use is prohibited.

Babcock — and has even written a children’s button book.

Christopher Milo, who has locked himself in as the Riders’ starting kicker after some early struggles, chats with Kapp in Rider One-On-One about the life of a kicker. Slotback Jason Clermont reflects on his time in Regina so far in Breeding Green and White. The interesting career of Steve Mazurak is examined in Rider Flashback. Mason Lanigan talks about why football is I KNOW MY friendly to him in Young Roughriders. For a Roughrider BUSINESS® season review, turn to Rider Report Card.

Joyce Tourney If you have any final questions or comments about Inside Green, email me at: jonathanahamelin@hotmail.com

Inside Green brings you coverage of the Grey Cup announcement in this issue.

In Riders in the Community, we examine the benefits 789-1700 that hosting the Grey Cup will bring. It is estimated the www.joycetourney.com

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the 13th man project

Jeremy Bresciani poses with his latest Rider artwork.

Jeremy Bresciani

Below: Rider artist Jeremy Bresciani is creating unique artwork based upon the 2013 Grey Cup.

By Carol Rogers For L-P Specialty Products Fans are the heart of Rider Nation and are truly the 13th man on the team.

To celebrate the loyalty and commitment of Saskatchewan Roughrider fans, artist Jeremy Bresciani is creating The 13th Man project, capturing the joy and excitement of the Riders’ 101st Grey Cup win in November 2013.

What makes this art project unique is that Bresciani, a graphite pencil artist, is not just recalling a memorable moment with the team.

He’s depicting the emotion of the game by drawing actual fans in the art for a one-of-akind piece of Rider football history.

Using photos submitted to him by fans, Bresciani will recreate the Grey Cup crowd behind the players celebrating on the field.

In this way, Rider fans, even those who were possibly not able to be at the game, are truly part of the winning experience.

“Most sports art highlights the players, with either no fans at all or the fans blurred out and treated as background noise,” said Bresciani. “As a fan, when I reminisce about great moments in sports that I have

of the 1989 Grey Cup Championship, I thought of using the actual fans that were in the photos of the ‘The Kick’ and that would have been fine,” said Bresciani. “But I woke up one morning and it just made sense that if I wanted to show how that memory still lived on in the heart of Rider Nation, I should draw current fans that still celebrate that moment as a huge part of the Rider Nation legacy.”

Being a graphite pencil artist enables Bresciani to capture the emotion of the moment in fine, intricate detail in a way other art forms cannot. Using graphite as his medium allows for the ability to draw very fine lines, creating a very realistic result.

Bresciani says he wants the viewer to not only feel the emotion and understand the story he is trying to portray — as well as recognize the characters as being true to life — but also to discover something new, a hidden detail each time they look at his artwork.

For a piece such as The 13th Man, the process of recreating the Grey Cup story begins Since with a concept photo.

1927 This photo is used as a reference as Bresciani draws. To draw a crowd showing this many cheering fans without blocking any faces requires a lot of prep work.

Regina Agents For Atlast Van Lines “I cut out each person from their original photos Local • Long Distance • International and move them around Being entrusted with people’s belongings is an the concept photo in enormous responsibility. Premier Van Lines is one Photoshop until I find a of Canada’s largest moving companies, comprised layout that works,” he of over 30 offices and 1000 employees who are committed to the art of moving.

experienced, I cannot separate the players, the big plays, or the touchdowns from the screaming fans. I don’t just remember the players or the play; I remember who I was with and how hard we were cheering.”

Born and raised in Regina until he was 13, Bresciani grew up a Rider fan. His extended family members are all fans and he has memories of watching the games on television at home and listening to them on the radio while camping. Even after the family moved to Edmonton, Alta., Bresciani remained true to the Roughriders, going to every game they played at Commonwealth Stadium, and catching a few games in Calgary as well.

Now living in Surrey, B.C., Bresciani sees every Rider game at BC Place and gets out to Regina once each season to experience the game and atmosphere at Mosaic Stadium.

It’s that atmosphere Bresciani believes can be captured through his art and celebrates the fan experience. He initially got the idea for including the fans within the art after the Roughriders’ 1989 Grey Cup win in his piece entitled The Kick — The Legend Lives On. “When I set out to capture the emotion

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Consider yourself a work of art

said. “I can’t emphasize enough how difficult it is to make it flow nicely. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle.”

Once happy with the layout, Bresciani prints the photo and references it as he draws. He does two to three passes over the entire piece. The first is a light sketch of each person to ensure proportions are correct and that everything fits. The next two passes are to add fine clothing details, darker tones for contrast and to adjust each face to ensure they all look as close to their original photo as possible.

Bresciani’s attention to detail has brought him many fans across Rider Nation. “Fans who are in my artwork love looking for themselves, their family and their friends as well as encouraging other fans to try to find them in it. But, my ultimate goal is to create artwork that is appealing to all fans, whether they are in it or not.”

And, even if fans aren’t in the piece, Bresciani believes there’s fun to be had searching through the fans’ faces. “It can become a bit of a Where’s Waldo, but with Rider fan characters, Rider alumni and other recognizable personalities to look for.”

As a Rider fan, and as an artist, Bresciani’s work is full of his love of the game and passion for the Green and White. “Rider fans definitely sweat and bleed green. We have created an atmosphere and camaraderie that is unparalleled. The Grey Cup Championship is Rider Nation’s. Rider Nation includes both the team and the fans — it’s one big family.

You can’t separate the two.”

How to participate

The 13th Man Project began in January 2014 with the concept and creation phase in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Since opening it up to fan submissions, Bresciani has received 180 photos. Once he has the 313 faces required to complete the piece and has laid them out in a concept photo, he expects the artwork to take between 600 and 700 hours to draw. It will be completed in time to ship for Christmas. To reserve a spot in the limited edition “The 13th Man” artwork, go to www.riderart.com. Prices start at $49. To learn more about Jeremy Bresciani’s artwork, visit jeremybresciani.com.

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WIDE RECEIVER

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HEIGHT: 6’0” WEIGHT: 192 lbs.

BORN: March 2, 1985 Kingston, ONT NON-IMPORT: Queen’s YEARS PRO: 7 YEARS IN THE CFL: 7 YEARS AS A RIDER: 7 ACQUIRED: Signed as free agent in May, 2008.

TOTAL GAMES PLAYED: CFL: 69 GAMES PLAYED IN 2013: 17 PLAYOFF GAMES PLAYED: 4 GREY CUP GAMES PLAYED: 2 (Sask — 2009, 2013)

Brought to you by:

Photos courtesy of the Saskatchewan Roughriders

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Dale West was part of the Rider team that won the Grey Cup in 1966.

Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

where are they now?

Dale West is a leader on and off of the field

“

Dale West (right) is seated beside Ron Lancaster at an au session during the tograph 1966 Rider Grey Cu p Reunion in 2006.

By Roger Currie For L-P Specialty Projects The men who have worn the green and white of the Saskatchewan Roughriders are a proud lot, and most of them have both physical and emotional reminders of their playing days in The Canadian Football League. Among them is Dale West. These days he is known more for his work in education, which includes 31 years as a teacher and more than a decade as a trustee on Regina’s Public School Board.

Born in Saskatoon in 1941, Dale played two years at the University of Arizona on a football scholarship, and one year at the University of Saskatchewan as a member of the Huskies. At 6’ 2” and 195 pounds, he joined the Riders in 1962 as a two-way player under legendary head coach Steve Owen.

West has fond memories of Owen, the man who spent more than 20 years coaching the New York Giants before coaching in Canada.

“After my first few days in camp in 1962, Steve said he always had trouble figuring out what to do with the 12th man in Canadian football, but he told me I was the answer that year. His offensive playbook was about four pages long, and our meetings were very interesting,” he said. That first year West was used primarily as a wide receiver and, occasionally, as a defensive back.

In 1963, Bob Shaw took over as the Riders’ head coach, and three key pieces of the offence arrived in Ron Lancaster, George Reed and a lanky receiver named Hughie Campbell. It meant that West became primarily a defensive player, and he rose to the challenge in splendid fashion.

He intercepted 10 passes and was runner up for the Schenley Award as the CFL’s Outstanding Canadian. He was on the field on that blustery Remembrance Day in 1963 — the game that became known as The Miracle at Taylor Field. The Riders overcame a 26-point deficit to beat Calgary in the western semi-final.

West was a western all-star three times, including in 1966 when the Riders won their first Grey Cup. It was a West interception that set up Saskatchewan’s first touchdown in

I make no bones about it. I bleed green and white and always have, and always will.”

their 29-14 victory over Ottawa.

By then, the Rider head coach was Eagle Keys, but the way West tells it, Ronnie Lancaster was the key to most of what happened on the field and in the meeting rooms. “Early on, Eagle made the decision to listen to Ronnie, which Bob Shaw did not do often enough. Keys would turn to Ronnie and ask ‘What does the left guard do on this play?’ Either Lancaster or Campbell would immediately rattle off the answer” he said.

The players from that era have remained close. West was delighted when George Reed returned to Regina after several years in Calgary. He said “George played a huge price for his amazing success as a running back for 13 seasons. He had an ankle replaced a few years ago, a procedure I had never heard of before.”

Even though his own career lasted only seven years (1962 to ‘68), West has plenty of his own physical reminders of his playing days. “I’ve had a couple of shoulder surgeries, one knee operation and a hand surgery. It’s part of the price you pay,” he said. He recalls only one concussion with no lasting effects, and he applauds the league for paying closer attention to such injuries now that more is known about lasting effects.

In 1962, West made $3,500 as a Roughrider, but he recalls that it was enough to buy a brand new car then, and the season was not much more than four months long back then. He began teaching while he was still playing football. After he retired from teaching, West was elected to the Regina Public School Board.

GO RIDERS! He is currently the board vice-chair.

Did his Roughrider career help delivered to when it came to getting elected? your door.

“It certainly didn’t hurt” he said.

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Looking back at Rider history The month of July Each month, Inside Green is looking back at historical moments in Roughrider history that occurred during that month.

We are also including a photo of former players, coaches, Mosaic Stadium and other significant milestones in Rider history.

July 2, 1970 — Prince Charles presented the All-Star Game’s outstanding player Award to Riders’ quarterback Ron Lancaster.

July 29, 1975 — With 1:09 left in the game, Ron Lancaster and Rhett Dawson connected on an 85-yard touchdown to give the Riders’ a 24-20 victory over the Montreal Alouettes.

July 17, 1979 — Al Chorney set a record for most kick-off returns in one game in Rider history (seven) playing against the Edmonton Eskimos.

July 9, 1982 — Dave Ridgway played in his first CFL regular season game.

July 24, 1982 — The Riders blitzed the Calgary Stampeders’ quarterbacks 16 times in the second half alone. The Riders won 25-19.

July 29, 1984 — During a game against the Ottawa Roughriders, Dave Ridgway kicked eight field goals to tie the CFL record for most field goals in a single game. He would later repeat this feat on July 23, 1988.

July 7, 1985 — The team celebrated its 75th Anniversary by raising the 1966 Grey Cup Championship flag. Many Saskatchewan and Ottawa players who played in that Grey Cup game attended the ceremony.

July 10, 1985 — Riders’ quarterback Joe Paopao and cornerback Terry Irvin were named CFL Stars of the Week.

July 4, 1987 — A World Wrestling Federation match acted as the pre-game entertainment for a Rider home game to help bring fans and the media to Taylor Field. It worked: 23,927 people bought tickets to the game.

July 26, 1991 — For the second time in one month, Riders’ defensive lineman Wayne Drinkwalter received the Mark’s Work Wearhouse’s Hardest Hitter of the Game Award.

July 9, 1993 — Jeff Fairholm recorded 215 yards on just seven receptions during a game against the B.C. Lions.

July 24, 1993 — The Riders played their first CFL game in the United States against the Sacramento Gold Miners’ expansion team. The Riders lost 37-26.

July 17, 1994 — The wrong words and key for “O Canada” were sung at a game between the Riders and the Las Vegas Posse in Nevada. The Posse later sent an apology for the error to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

July 22, 1994 — Ray Elgaard caught his 707th career pass to become the CFL’s All-Time Receiver at that time. Play stopped for six minutes as fans and the team congratulated him.

Rocky DiPietro, the previous record holder, presented Elgaard with the ball.

July 1, 1995 — Glen Suitor made his TSN CFL broadcasting debut.

July 7, 1999 — The Riders’ Neal Smith tied the CFL record for most quarterback sacks in a game (five) against the Calgary Stampeders.

July 23, 2002 — Andrew Greene was named CFL’s Offensive Lineman of the Week.

July 8, 2004 — Scott Schultz received the CFL’s Lineman of the Week award.

July 27, 2008 — The Riders started the regular season 5-0 for the first time since 1934.

Roger Aldag’s jersey, number 44, was retired in front of 17,566 fans at Taylor Field on “July 44” (July 15, 1993). During his 11 seasons with the team, Aldag was an eight-time Western Division AllStar, five-time All-Canadian All-Star, and two-time CFL Offensive Lineman of the Year. He played in 271 regular season games and was a member of the 1989 Grey Cup Championship team.

In 1993, Aldag was inducted in the Riders’ Plaza of Honor, and later, in 2002, he was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame.

— Photo by Bill Dubecky, Royal Studios

TheRiderStore.ca 1-888-4-RIDERS (474-3377) Mosaic Stadium | Northgate Mall | Grasslands | The Centre @theriderstore

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Tom Irvine and Sharon Pratchler (left) at the end of the 2013 Grey Cup.

m u i n o m e d n a F rider

Section 26 fans celebrate 20 years of family and football at the University of Saskatchewan. She met her future husband in the law library. This year they will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

“Tom was preparing a brief for the Supreme Court and forgot to diarize that he wanted to ask me out. We ran into each other at another event and he remembered. I still have the pink slip from his call,” she said.

Sharon said she thinks Tom didn’t even knew what sport the Riders played or if he even knew they existed. “He knew who the king was in 1066 (trick question — there were three). And he could list the line of succession to the throne (past and present).”

She said that Tom told her he had no idea when he first met her that he would be marrying into a cult of football.

It took a while to get Tom up to speed on the game. Sharon remembers taking him and a young articling student from Ghana to a game where she taught them the basics of the sport. “After listening to these two big guys ask me questions all game long (‘What’s offside?’ ‘What does a linebacker do?’

‘What’s illegal procedure?’) a big guy behind us leaned over and said, “For God’s sake, it’s so-and-so.”

Becoming season ticket holders It was after attending the Grey Cup game the first time it was hosted in Regina in 1995 that Sharon and Tom decided it was time to become season ticket holders. She was cautious about easing Tom into the game slowly so they had flex packs for a few years before joining the Section 26 family. She said she will always remember sitting in the temporary stands for that game.

“We were delayed in being allowed up to our seats and it wasn’t until later that we heard that the seats weren’t designed for winds beyond a certain strength,” she said, “As the winds had been gusting, the organizers were waiting for the wind to come down to safe levels. I suspect we still would have gone up if we had known at the time.

We borrowed sub-zero sleeping bags from friends and stayed in them throughout the game. Even now, at Grey Cup, we can find Baltimore Stallion fans who say that game was one of the best they ever went to. This was during the expansion team period.”

It was right after that game that they bought season tickets.

“Section 26 is a great section of hard-core fans who have had tickets forever,” said Sharon. “We’re like a family. We all have our own rituals.” Sharon calls Diane and Jocelyn Herback, who joined them in Section 26 a few years back, her “football sisters.” Sharon said, “Just to show how small this town is,

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By Lynn Gidluck For L-P Specialty Products Sharon Pratchler doesn’t remember a time when the Riders weren’t a part of her life.

Although she knows it is purely coincidental, this dedicated fan finds it highly symbolic that she was born in 1966 — the first year the Riders won the Grey Cup. “I grew up in a family that loved football and I have shared that love with my husband, Tom Irvine, and son, Graeme Irvine,” said Sharon. “And I share it with all of the other members of our section, our football family in section 26. Because for me, football is about family and community.”

Sharon grew up in St. Brieux in a family of five sisters and one brother. It was her sister, Brenda Listwan that introduced her to the game. Brenda still lives not far from the family farm in Melfort and drives in faithfully to all the games with her husband, Gordon.

Those who are friends with Sharon on Facebook know they can count on her to post anything and everything about the Riders — often before it becomes public, because of the extensive websites and news sources she monitors or is plugged into. Everything from the latest cuts or player injuries to where to get fancy Rider manicures. With any question you have about the Riders, if Sharon doesn’t have the answer for you, she’ll know where to find it for you.

Sharon’s first memories of the game involve sitting around the radio in the kitchen and watching her sister Brenda write down all the plays in a notebook for their father.

Her father would join them when he could, but quite often he had to miss the games because he’d be swathing or combining in a tractor that didn’t have a radio. He and Brenda would discuss the plays and do post-game analysis together when he came in from field.

Pratchler said her mom, Josephine Pratchler, who lives in Humboldt, is also an ardent Riders fan. “She watches every game in her seniors’ condo while she wears her Riders shirt,” said Sharon. “She used to come to games but stopped a while back because it was too hard for her to get up the stairs. She complained one year on Mother’s Day that she would likely not get to see much of us again until Christmas, since the football season was going to start soon.”

Sharon got to see her first game when she was in high school. “I played trombone with the band and we were part of the half time show,” she said. “We made up part of the ‘R’ in Riders. I remember practicing at school the week before to make that R.” Her love affair with the Riders continued when she left St. Brieux to attend law school

eme, dancing Tom and Sharon’s son, Gra tickets. with last year’s Grey Cup

Jocelyn taught [Riders’ linebacker] Mike McCullough’s child so, on the day after the Grey Cup, her school was one of the first stops that the Grey Cup made with Mike McCullough.”

Sharon’s enthusiasm for the game has seriously rubbed off on her husband, who looks forward to seeing his Section 26 friends each game, just as much as his wife does. Sharon is happy that Tom’s memory preserves the family’s archives. “He remembers every game we went to, every

Grey Cup year — location and team. And he’s as hooked as anyone else — there were tears coming down his face when we won the Grey Cup last year.”

For Tom, being a Rider fan eventually even proved dangerous to his health. As he learned more and more about the game he became fascinated by the flags that fans bring to the games on poles.

“He dedicated quite a bit of time to developing the perfect flag pole for games. It Continued on Page E9

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E7

GAME DAY ROSTERS Saskatchewan Roughriders

B.C. Lions

(as of July 7, 2014)

# Name 51 Black, Tristan 57 LaBatte, Brendon 58 Fulton, Xavier* 62 Steinhauer, Levi 64 Adcock, Levy* 65 Heenan, Ben 66 Best, Chris 68 Picard, Dominic 70 Walker, Derek* 77 Clark, Dan 80 Moore, Spencer 81 Schilens, Chaz* 88 Smith, Taj* 89 Getzlaf, Chris 90 Ainsworth, Dylan 91 Lee, David 92 Guyton, Trevor* 93 George, Tearrius* 95 Foley, Ricky 97 Chick, John* 99 Williams, Shomari

# Name Position 1 Green, Marshay* DB 2 Smith, Ryan* WR 3 Harris, Macho* DB 4 Durant, Darian* QB 6 Bagg, Rob WR 7 Doege, Seth* QB 12 Sunseri, Tino* QB 15 Riley, Eron* WR 16 Swain, Brett* WR 17 Bartel, Josh P 18 McHenry, Scott WR 19 Milo, Chris K 20 Maze, Terrell* CB 21 Woldu, Paul CB 26 Allen, Anthony* RB 27 Peters, Brian* LB 28 LeGree, Mark* DB 31 Hurl, Samuel LB 32 Hughes, Neal FB 35 Brown, Weldon* LB 37 Williams, Rod* DB 38 Jackson, Tristan* DB 41 Brackenridge, Tyron* S 43 Régimbald, Kevin LB

# Name 2 Glenn, Kevin* 3 McGarva, Matt 4 McCallum, Paul 6 Schmitt, Ricky* 7 Brown, Tim* 8 Williams, Korey* 9 Jackson, Ernest* 10 Logan, Stefan* 12 Beck, John* 13 Williams, Torri* 17 Lee, T.J.* 19 Partridge, Travis* 20 Parker, Keynan 21 Phillips, Ryan* 23 Johnson, Josh* 24 Lochard, Pascal 25 Yell, Ronnie* 26 Parks, Cord* 27 LaRose, J.R. 28 Johnson, Jamall* 31 Marsh, Dante* 32 Chin, Casey 33 Harris, Andrew 44 Bighill, Adam* 45 Arakgi, Jason

Position LB G T DL OL OL G C DL G FB WR WR SB DL DE DL DT DE DE LB

*Denotes import

KICK OFF

Position QB DB K P RB/KR WR WR RB QB DB DB QB S DB DB RB DB CB S LB CB LB RB LB LB

(as of July 7, 2014)

# Name Position 46 Lumbala, Rolly FB 48 Antwi, Akwasi LB 50 Fabien, Kirby G 51 Matechuk, Jordan LS/LB 53 Bazzie, Alex* DT 54 Valli, Dean G 56 Elimimian, Solomon* LB 58 Thorn, Cameron G 59 Norman, Matthew G 63 Olafioye, Jovan* T 67 Steward, Hunter G 68 Player, T-Dre OG 69 Ramsey, Andre* T 78 Menard, David DL 79 Taylor, Eric* DT 80 Haidara, Seydou Junior WR 83 Adekolu, Stephen WR 85 Gore, Shawn SB 86 Taylor, Courtney* SB 88 Poblah, Kito SB 94 Smith, Khreem* DE 96 Mitchell, Khalif* DT 99 Westerman, Jabar DE *Denotes import

TO

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Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

The Rider Chick In the CFL: weather happens extreme weather?) 13-0 in a game so thick with muck it became known as the Mud Bowl, in 1950 at Varsity Stadium in Toronto.

And, in 1977, the 65th Grey Cup in Montreal became known as the Ice Bowl. After a blizzard hit the city, crews dumped salt onto the playing field. Sounds like a smart idea. Then the temperature plummeted turning the melted snow into a skating rink. Okay, I guess not so smart after all. The players took to putting staples in the bottom of their shoes for traction on the slick turf.

I was at a game not so long ago where the extreme weather was a brain-melting heat. The sun beat down on the sunny side and the temperature topped 30 degrees. I thought I was going to pass out. By the end of the second quarter I could barely cheer without running out of breath. Another fan behind me took pity on me and sprayed me with water.

Although the temperature for the 2013 Grey Cup was downright balmy for November, who could forget the nearly 40,000 fans who stayed. A three-hour game in the frosty air and another hour for victory celebrations and ceremonies, and still they stayed. None of them were going to miss a historic night of celebration in Rider Nation, no matter how cold it got.

One of the greatest things about being a Roughrider fan is the collective memories.

Where else can you look at someone and talk about the blackout game of 2007 and everyone knows what you’re talking about?

I had friends at that blackout game. When the power went out, they said they huddled under the stands to stay out of the rain. In the pitch black.

Pitch. Black.

For an hour.

Can you imagine?

Where else does that happen? Thousands of strangers taking shelter together, waiting out a storm, so they could see their guys finish a game.

And I’ll never forget quarterback Kerry

Jennifer Jacoby-Smith, a professional writer living in Saskatoon, goes by another name: The Rider Chick. In each issue of Inside Green, this passionate Roughrider fan will give her insight on the Green and White and relate her experiences as a fan living in Saskatoon. Feedback can be emailed to jsmith@ thestarphoenix.com

By Jennifer Jacoby-Smith For L-P Specialty Products Prairies are a land of extremes. So it only stands to reason the old girl, Mosaic Stadium, would host more than her fair share of extreme weather games.

Even Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, in a recent tribute to the Canadian game, said a quarterback in this league had to be more accurate because the field is wider and “you’re playing in more weather than in the United States.”

I find it amusing when explaining the game to National Football League (NFL) fans south of the border, he had to explain about weather. I guess when there are only two football stadiums in Canada with a dome, you can’t avoid playing in plenty of “weather.” It’ll snow. It’ll rain. It’ll form an ice fog. And that’s all before half-time.

For example, the 50th Grey Cup, held in Toronto in 1962 featuring the Blue Bombers and the Ti-Cats, was shrouded in fog. In fact, it looked like the entire place had been stuffed full of cotton balls. The heavy mist made it impossible to see and the remainder of the game had to be played the following afternoon.

The Argonauts shut out the Blue Bombers (What is it about Winnipeg and playing in

Top: Hardy Saskatchewan fans proved just how tough they are as they traversed Regina streets that resembled rivers, just to get to Mosaic Stadium for the home opener against Hamilton. It’s just another story for the CFL book on extreme weather.

— Photo courtesy Troy Souster Left: Season ticket holder Candace Lamb poses with her sister-in-law at the Riders home opener in June 2014.

— Photo courtesy Candace Lamb

Joseph commenting after the game that the team never expected the fans to stay. They never thought thousands would be cheering them on when the lights came back on. And cheer them on to victory, by the way. That’s right. The Riders came back to win 39-32 against Edmonton.

Those of us outside of Mosaic Stadium had no idea what happened! The television network started showing the movie Heidi (of all blessed things) and left us all hanging.

We were dusting off radios trying to find out how the game ended. It was the ultimate cliffhanger in Rider Nation.

I’m never surprised what CFL fans in general and Rider fans in particular will go through to get to a game. And endure while at a game. (Even a full moon on occasion, right, Section 28?)

All of this to pay tribute to the hardy souls who sat through the soggy home opener against Hamilton in June. After days of rain drenched everything, they trudged through

waterlogged streets just to get to the game.

The Riders had to get to the field using the visitors’ entrance.

As communities around the province declared states of emergency and flooded roads prevented many from attending the game, the spirit of the spectators weren’t dampened in the slightest. And the Riders obliged by putting on a show and, in the spirit of their previous meeting with the Kittycats, tromped them by 21 points.

It seems nothing can stop those of us on Prairies from seeing our team. In fact, we’ve even written it down in a song you may know… … So cheer us on through the sun and rain. Saskatchewan Roughriders is our name!

Got a beef? A story idea?

Or just something to say?

Pop me an email: jsmith@thestarphoenix.com. or tweet me @SaskRidersChick.

Your Tweet could be featured in a future issue.

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E9

Rider Fandemonium

“

He went to his doctor and was told he had to go to physiotherapy, for what was a flag-waving induced injury.”

From right, back row, Tom Irvine, Shar on Pratchler, Gordie Listwan; front row, Brenda Listwan, Graeme Irvin e, and Kendall Pratchler.

The photo was taken before they left for last year’s Grey Cup.

Supplied photos

first Rider game.

“The fans in section 26 have been Continued from Page E6 watching him grow up ever since,” said Sharon. “He has had season tickets since consisted of a golf ball retriever, with the key being a he was two years old because we were shoelace tied to the bottom of the flag, so it wouldn’t lucky enough to get an additional season fly up during high winds,” said Sharon. “He was ticket beside us for him.” dedicated to that flag, religiously bringing it and Though they bought Graeme’s first Grey flying it at all games we attended, at home or away.

Cup ticket in 2013, they weren’t willing to Each year he would get a new one.” take the risk that he would have to leave A few years back, Sharon said, Tom started to part way through the game if it was too experience a pain in his right shoulder during football cold. “Instead, we brought my niece, season. “He went to his doctor and was told he had Kenni Pratchler, along.” to go to physiotherapy, for what was a flag-wavingKenni stayed with her aunt and uncle induced injury.” for a week as they introduced her to Grey Cup fun. Despite their best plans, Sharon said that they made one great error on Exchanging flags game day.

Tom brought one of his famous flags with him to “As it warmed up so much for the 2000 Grey Cup that was in Calgary. They sat game day after a long burst of cold, next to a fan who had travelled there from Montreal Kenni wore her UGGS to the game. to cheer his Alouettes. “It was a heartbreaking loss Unfortunately, by the for him and at the end of the game end of the first quarter, we stayed for a long time in the her feet were wet,” stands with him, commiserating,” said Sharon. “We had said Sharon. “We knew, as Rider promised her parents fans, how that felt.” we’d keep her safe so we That’s when Tom decided to trade had to perform an emergency flags with the Montreal fan, both boot removal. Tom went down to of them vowing to cheer for each the mini-store in the stadium and other’s team whenever they made it bought two pairs of socks and to the Grey Cup again. two plastic bags. We performed “In 2002, at the Grey Cup in the emergency boot removal in the Edmonton, Montreal was back in,” stands, warmed up her feet with said Sharon. “Tom brought the Als hot shots, layered her with one pair flag he had traded for — on his flag of socks, one layer of hot shots, pole with the Rider flag. As we were another pair of socks, a plastic bag having lunch in downtown Edmonton on each foot and put her boots back on.” with a friend, Tom jumped up and went running This was not unlike how Sharon’s mom would down the street after someone. He came back in a send the kids out to play in the puddles on the bit with a big grin on his face. His buddy, Paul, from farm when they were kids.

Montreal had been walking down the street and — “The fans behind us said, ‘You should have you guessed it — he was carrying the Als and Riders brought your little guy instead — he would have flags.” been less maintenance.’ ” Sharon and Tom continue to plan their vacations Sharon and Tom have no doubt that Graeme is every year around Grey Cup. They even interrupted on his way to becoming as big a fan of the Riders their trip to Europe to come back to Canada for as they are. the momentous game in 2007. The ardent fans had “When Graeme was about two years, old he decided not to get Grey Cup tickets that year, for discovered the DVD ‘Pride of the Ride’ in our the first time in about 10 years, because they had taken a deferred salary leave from their jobs with the collection,” said Sharon. “While other kids might Department of Justice and would be travelling out of have been watching Diego or Sesame Street, he would watch this video over and over, to the point the country a lot. where even I, ardent Rider fan, found Glen Suitor’s Sharon remembers walking across England in August of 2007, following the games as best they voice grating, as he narrated the story of the Riders.”

Graeme says he wants to be a kicker — which could remotely. “It occurred to me that we were Sharon says suits his personality. She’s not sure if going to the Grey Cup. I told my husband that I would not be able to live with myself if the Riders he’s just teasing her when he says that he wants to play for Montreal, or more recently, for Hamilton. were in it and we didn’t go that year. So we bought our tickets and ended up having the best time of our “He asks if Mom will cheer for him if he plays for anyone other than the Riders,” said Sharon. “I say lives. That is until 2013, which Sharon says every I will cheer for him but not his team and he says, Rider fan knows was even sweeter.

Sharon and Tom are excited now to be bringing ‘But you’re my mom — you have to cheer for me,’ to their son Graeme to games with them. Graeme (now which I say, ‘I always will cheer for you, but I’ll never cheer for any team other than the Riders.’ ” six) was only eight weeks old when he attended his

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What’s new at the Rider Store?

There’s something to meet every fan’s tastes and interests

By Judy Bird For L-P Specialty Products Is your Rider gear looking a little worn?

Do you need to update your fan wardrobe or add a few pieces to your collection of clothing or memorabilia? Or maybe you just want and deserve something because you’re a number 1 fan. Whatever the reason, The Rider Store has something for all fans, and it’s because of fans’ love of all things Rider that the store has a lot of new items to offer this year.

“After Grey Cup, we were low on inventory, so that gave us the opportunity to bring in more new things for the upcoming year,” said Mark Habicht, director of Retail Operations for the Riders. “We will have new product arriving every week from now through September.”

Here’s a look at some of the new items available this season.

New DVD for fans

All In is a 70-minute DVD that takes fans behind the scenes from the 2013 season.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to put something together like this as a team.

It takes fans behind the scenes right from the Florida mini-camp, all the way through training camp and the season leading up to the Grey Cup. It shows behind-the-scenes of some of the issues we had to deal with because of the cold and some of the issues TSN had shooting the game. We’re very excited about it,” said Habicht.

The DVD is exclusive to The Rider Store locations and Co-op Stores. It is also a limited edition item; pick one up soon to make sure you don’t miss out.

Rider gear

“First and foremost, every season starts off with the sideline gear from Reebok. Everything that has the sideline approved logo on it is part of our Reebok sideline collection that is actually the same stuff that you see the players and coaches wearing on the field.

It’s very popular with fans,” said Habicht.

The collection includes polo shirts, hoodies, jackets, t-shirts, hats in a variety of styles and colours.

New additions for this year include a lightweight hoodie and a quarter zipper pullover style jacket. “The quarter zip was very popular with coaches and players last year. This year, we brought it out in both black and green and [it] features a pattern on the sides that ties through the whole sideline collection line,” said Habicht.

New colours for men’s t-shirts include browns and a military green, just to add a bit of variety to the mix.

For the ladies

This jacket is from the Rider’s Sideline Collection, which are the same clothes that the players and coaches wear on the field.

There are even outfits for Rider fans that have yet to be born.

Maternity wear, workout gear, yoga pants, yoga capris, running jackets, socks, hats and more make it possible for the ladies to dress in stylish, comfortable Rider gear from head to toe.

“Our women fans are great; they’re also our most vocal. They’re always looking for new and exciting things,” said Habicht. “We are very excited about our women’s collection this year. We revamped some of the line-ups that we have, and added some things, like new pieces from Meesh and Mia. We had some from this line available at Grey Cup, but now we have added some in Rider green. The styles are for the business ladies or professionals who want something a little more fashion-forward, not just focused on the on-field fan line of clothing.”

Soft materials, feminine cuts, and even a bit of pink has made its way into the store. “It’s the first time we’ve had clothing like this in The Rider Store.

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For the little fans

A kids clothing line by Klutch, one of the ladies wear suppliers, features paisley dresses for girls, leggings for girls and boys, jackets, t-shirts and polo shirts for boys, and accessories like hats and back packs to dress your little fan from head to toe. Finish the outfit with a cute backpack, or a plush toy, and they’re ready to join in the game day fun.

Jerseys

Jerseys are a fashion staple for Rider fans, and The Rider Store always has a great selection. There’s also a surprise in the works, but Habicht said fans will have to wait a little longer to find out exactly what it is.

“We are looking at a new jersey later on this summer as we get further into the season.

It’s going to be very exciting, and a change for the fan that has everything.”

Grey Cup memorabilia

A new Grey Cup roster football has recently arrived; it features the names of all the players and has the championship logo on the side. Due to production time, it took a while for this product to come in, but now that it’s available, it’s disappearing quickly from the shelves. “The players love it, and coaches grab it too because it has their name on the ball,” said Habicht.

Other Grey Cup memorabilia is still available, such as a hardboard sign that commemorates all four Grey Cup wins, and some canvas prints. Many of the prints have sold out but more are on order.

A display of items at The Rider Store in Mosaic Stadium.

Photos by Wendy Livingstone

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Women like a lot more style so we’re trying to come up with more styles, fashion cuts and colours — options for ladies that we haven’t seen before. The core colours are great but we like to show our fans some things that they haven’t seen, so we sprinkle in a little pink, we sprinkle in a little brown. It won’t replace green — green is the colour — but it certainly is another option,” said Habicht.

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If you’re hosting the party, you just might want to stock up on Rider-themed dishes and serving ware. Beer mugs, mason jars, freezer mugs, wine glasses, a teacup with built in strainer, plates, platters, cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers shaped like footballs, and even pet food dishes are available. And while the kitchen sink isn’t sold at The Rider Store, the strainer plug for the sink is sold there, complete with the sideline logo for grasping the plug.

“It’s perfect for a kitchen or a bar. Fans can decorate a great bar or a great man cave with Rider memorabilia, said Habicht” Notepads, coasters, keyboard, mouse — wherever you spend your time, you can surround yourself with Rider items, indoors and out.

Last year, the store had a zombie garden gnome wearing a Rider jersey; coming soon this year is another gnome, but this one will be wearing a hoodie.

The Rider Store has three locations in Regina: Mosaic stadium, Northgate Mall and Grasslands. In Saskatoon, The Rider Store is at The Centre on 8th Street. Fans can also go online to www.theriderstore.ca.

WHO SAID IT? The answer to the front cover Who Said It? is d) John Gregory.

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The Rider Store may not have the kitchen sink, but it does have the next best thing — a kitchen strainer.

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E11

Grant Hoffman walks 17 blocks — with his tuba — to every game

“

By Judy Bird For L-P Specialty Products When Grant Hoffman was in high school, he wanted to travel, and figured that the best way to do that was to join a band. He chose to join the Regina Lions Band, but took a different approach to get in.

“When they asked me what instrument I played, I said, ‘Which one don’t you have very many of?’ Bob Mossing was the director at that time, and he said, ‘Tuba.’ I said, ‘Well, then I’m a tuba player.’ I knew I’d be able to get into the band quickly,” he said.

Hoffman played with the band for three Grant Hoffman learned to play years during his time in high school, the tuba when the band had a then attended university and joined the shortage of tuba players. university’s band. “Then I put the tuba down, and didn’t play it until 30 years Hoffman, there’s one experience in later,” he said. particular that stands out. “Well, I Hoffman picked it up again and started don’t think that you can beat Grey in the Yorkton Community Band, which is Cup last year,” he said. “It was great to move on. While playing his favourite song near his home community of Springside. be there. It was great to be part of the last year, “Paint the Whole World Green,” so much the breath; it was being able “The first two practices were brutal. The whole scene. I think we played over 60 another memorable moment happened. to lift my arms. That was a long but fun muscle memory was still there, for some shows during the Grey Cup week. It was a “A fellow came out from behind stage, week. It took a day or two to recover from reason, and I picked it up really quickly,” really good time.” grabbed the microphone, and said, ‘I all the activity.” he said.

During Grey Cup week, the Pep Band think I know this one.’

Here it was the The tuba can get quite heavy when Hoffman has a farm near Springside, played in the hospitality areas as well as person who wrote the song, Jason Plumb. carrying it around, but usually it’s not a but he has lived and worked in Regina for at other venues, including workplaces, He sang it with us. It was really cool.” problem for Hoffman. He lives 17 blocks the past several years, so, naturally, he the Cornwall Centre and at the Mosaic It might seem that playing the tuba away from the stadium, and for every seized the opportunity to join the Rider Underground. at so many places and events during a home game, he walks to the stadium, Pep Band. This summer is his fourth year The shows were relatively short — the week would leave him out of breath, but carrying his tuba. “It is a good workout,” of playing with the band. He and his wife band played four or five songs and would Hoffman said it wasn’t the case. “It wasn’t he said. have recently retired, and plan to spend more time on the farm, but he’s not ready to hang up his tuba again just yet.

He enjoys being in the Your Locally Owned & Operated Pep Band because of the experience at home games and in the community. “I think the whole excitement of being at the games, getting the crowd going, and that type of thing, is probably one of the biggest things. Taking Over 350 e part in parades and events PharmaChoic has been really exciting, locations to too. The band is really serve you recognizable, and people love to have you there. We enjoy it,” he said.

“Playing out in the brick yard in front of Taylor Field before the games is really a neat experience too,” Hoffman said. “Folks from all over come by and say hi.

Last year, on the way walking to the game, I met a couple and their children who came Bill Michelle Edith Dave Lesley Darren Dave Jasdeep all the way from Toronto just Pharmacy Pharmacist Pharmacist Galon Pharmacy Pharmacist Pharmacist Pharmacy to be part of the Mosaic and Assistant Assistant Owner Assistant Assistant RW2414 - CSA Approved, Industrial the stadium experience. They Note: Pharmacists are in white coats, Pharmacy Assistants in black coats Safety Toe, Goretex - guaranteed waterproof watched us in the brick yard, and we do a couple of songs Widths: B, D, E, EEE Sizes: 7 - 15 where we have signs [saying] ‘Hey’ song, and ‘Green, “We offer a full range of professionally fitted Red Wing white, fight, fight, fight,’ so 3992 Albert Street 306-586-6366 we had them come up and footwear and Carhartt work and leisure wear.” hold the signs. It kind of made their whole experience.

It’s fun to get new people into 5-425 Victoria Ave. E the Rider experience.”

306-525-8554 Playing before and during www.reginaredwing.com facebook the games is fun, but, for

Photo by Pat Rediger

It kind of made their whole experience.

It’s fun to get new people into the Rider experience.”

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